JP2007082131A - Setting management apparatus, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a setting management apparatus, a setting management method, and a setting management program capable of efficiently attaining setting management between applications. <P>SOLUTION: A setting management section is configured to include: a mode shelf class for receiving a request of a user; a mode class for indicating a set of settings; a setting object class for distributing a setting request to setting item classes; a setting value classes each for storing the setting value belonging to the setting item; setting item classes each with the setting value class as a leaf of a tree structure; and a combination rule class for storing a combination inhibit relationship between setting value classes belonging to different setting item classes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a setting management apparatus, a setting management method, and a setting management program, and more particularly to a technique for avoiding a selection conflict between setting values.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a multi-function machine in which a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copy, and a scanner are stored in a single casing. In such a multifunction device, a plurality of applications called a printer application, a copy application, and a scanner application are mounted on a general-purpose OS such as UNIX (registered trademark), and a plurality of functions are realized while switching execution processes of these applications. It was.

  However, since the printer application, the copy application, and the scanner application perform engine control, memory control, system control, and the like separately, wasteful duplication processing has occurred.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, the applications such as engine control, memory control, and system control, which have been performed by a plurality of applications installed in the multifunction peripheral, are grouped from each application as a common processing part (platform). The development efficiency is improved.

  In Patent Document 2, the combination check table is used to determine whether various functions such as a sorter selection function and a tray selection function that are commonly used by a plurality of applications installed in the multifunction peripheral can be combined.

JP 2002-084383 A Japanese Patent No. 3175479

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 shares a processing part for controlling hardware, and does not share all internal processes of each application. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in the application on the multifunction peripheral in order to improve the development efficiency.

  For example, a setting management process that accepts a function setting request from the user via the control software of the operation panel, determines whether the selected function can be combined, and notifies the user of the determination result by restricting input on the operation panel. Is a process that exists in common with each application on the copying machine, but is not a process that directly controls hardware, and is realized separately in each application and can be shared.

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 determines whether or not various functions can be combined by using a combination check table. However, when the scale of such a table increases due to the multi-function of the copying machine. Therefore, it is difficult to easily maintain the combination check table. For this reason, there are problems that man-hours for function addition and refurbishment increase and there is a risk that function combination control may not be performed correctly.

  For these reasons, it is a big issue how to efficiently manage the setting of the application installed in the MFP. Note that such a problem does not occur only for the multi-function peripheral, but also occurs when, for example, a setting management apparatus that performs combination control between a plurality of function settings is formed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and provides a setting management apparatus, a setting management method, and a setting management program capable of efficiently realizing setting management between applications. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a combination rule for holding a combination of setting values for which simultaneous selection is prohibited among setting values included in different setting items. An inter-setting-value selection inhibiting unit that controls to inhibit simultaneous selection between the setting values according to the combination rule; and an association with the inter-setting-value selection inhibiting unit; A setting target unit that collectively holds setting items to which a setting value to be performed belongs, and a setting set indicating a collection of setting targets held by the setting target unit by holding an association with the setting target unit Mode setting means for managing setting objects, and mode shelf management means for managing each setting set by maintaining an association with the mode setting means. And butterflies.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the setting value selection inhibiting means includes a setting item for each setting item including a plurality of setting values that are alternatively selected. Holding a combination management unit that holds and manages a relationship of prohibition of simultaneous selection between setting values belonging to the setting rule, and holding the combination rule further having a setting to be performed when selection of a setting value for which simultaneous selection is prohibited, In accordance with the combination rule, combination rule means for setting when receiving selection of a setting value included in the combination rule, and the setting management means is associated with the setting value when the setting value is selected. And calling the combination rule means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the setting management means is a setting value means that is generated in association with the setting value belonging to the setting item and holds the selection state of the setting value And a setting item unit that is generated in association with the setting item and holds an association with the setting value unit, and can hold any one of the setting value units that hold the association as being selected. The combination rule means changes the selection state held by one of the setting value means between the setting value means associated with the setting values belonging to the different setting items and prohibited from simultaneous selection. Setting to be accepted is performed according to the combination rule, and the setting value means calls the combination rule means when changing the selection state of the setting value means. .

  Further, the invention according to claim 4 includes a combination rule for holding a combination of setting values for which simultaneous selection is prohibited among the setting values included in different setting items. A setting value selection inhibiting step for performing control for inhibiting selection, a setting object step for collectively holding setting items to which setting values to be controlled in the setting value selection inhibiting step belong, and the setting object step As a setting set indicating a set of setting objects held by the device, a mode set step for managing setting objects and a mode shelf management step for managing a plurality of setting sets managed in the mode set step are provided. It is characterized by.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourth aspect, the setting value selection inhibiting step is performed for each setting item composed of a plurality of setting values that are alternatively selected. Holding a combination management step for maintaining and managing a relationship of prohibition of simultaneous selection between setting values belonging to the setting rule, and holding the combination rule further including a setting to be performed when selection of a setting value for which simultaneous selection is prohibited, A combination rule step for performing settings when accepting selection of a set value included in the combination rule according to the combination rule, and the setting management step is associated with the set value when the set value is selected. And calling the combination rule step.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the setting management step is a setting value step that is generated in association with the setting value belonging to the setting item and holds a selection state of the setting value. And a setting item step that is generated in association with the setting item, retains an association with the setting value step, and can retain any one of the setting value steps that retain the association as being selected. The combination rule step changes the selection state held by one of the setting value steps between the setting value steps associated with the setting values belonging to different setting items and prohibited from simultaneous selection. The setting to be accepted is performed according to the combination rule, and the setting value step is performed when the selection state of the setting value step is changed. Invoking the allowed rules step, characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the setting management method according to any one of claims 4 to 6 is executed by a computer.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, control for suppressing simultaneous selection between setting values according to the combination rule is collected for each setting target, and the mode set is configured by combining the setting targets. This makes it possible to reduce the design and implementation time and facilitate management. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to efficiently manage a combination of setting values across setting items.

  According to the invention of claim 2, when a set value is selected, the combination rule means associated with the set value can be called to prohibit simultaneous selection. There is an effect that the control with respect to the set value becomes easy.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the setting item means for holding the setting item and the setting value means for holding the setting value are configured separately, the combination of the setting values belonging to the setting item can be efficiently performed. There is an effect that can be managed.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 4, since the control for suppressing the simultaneous selection between the setting values according to the combination rule is collected for each setting target, and the mode set is configured by combining the setting target, Can be made common, shortening the design implementation time and facilitating management. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to efficiently manage a combination of setting values across setting items.

  According to the invention of claim 5, when a set value is selected, the combination rule means associated with the set value can be called to prohibit simultaneous selection. There is an effect that the control with respect to the set value becomes easy.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the setting item means for holding the setting item and the setting value means for holding the setting value are configured separately, the combination of the setting values belonging to the setting item is efficient. There is an effect that can be managed.

  Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 7, the setting management method as described in any one of Claims 4-6 can be implement | achieved by utilization of a computer by making a computer read and perform. The same effects as those of each setting management method are exhibited.

  Exemplary embodiments of a setting management device, a setting management method, and a setting management program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various apparatuses that perform setting management.

  First, an outline of an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 18, and 19. FIG. 1 is a network diagram for explaining a network environment surrounding the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between software and hardware of the multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 18 is an explanation for explaining the transition of the software configuration installed in the multifunction device 1. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between software and hardware of a conventional multifunction machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, with the recent progress of networking, devices such as personal computers (PCs) provided in offices are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and can communicate with each other. It became normal. For example, as shown in the figure, such a network is connected to a client PC, an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server, a server PC, etc., for sending and receiving e-mails and transferring files. The modem-connected delivery server can communicate with a fax machine outside the office.

  With the progress of such networking, the multifunction device 1 is also connected to such a network and can communicate with a device such as a PC. By incorporating a storage device such as a hard disk, a so-called network multifunction device can be obtained. It has evolved to meet various user needs.

  For example, in addition to the normal copy function, the multifunction device 1 includes a printer function for printing document data or the like in response to a print request from the client PC, and a modem connected to the server PC for document data or the like in response to a fax request from the client PC. It has a fax function that sends it to fax machines in other offices via the Internet, and a storage function that stores received fax documents and copy documents on a built-in hard disk.

  In this way, in order to realize many functions required by the progress of compounding and networking, the software installed in the compound machine 1 is large and complicated. Along with this, the man-hours for developing and maintaining such software have also increased significantly.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the multifunction machine 1 has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire multifunction device 1 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction machine 1 and includes a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 12b is a writable and readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the hardware and software configurations of the multi-function device 1, and specifically, an integrated application 110 including a setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment to be described later, and software 100 shows a hierarchical relationship between 100 and hardware 200. As shown in the figure, the hardware 200 includes a hardware resource 201. The hardware resource 201 includes a scanner 201a, a plotter 201b, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 201c, a network 201d, and other resources 201e. . The other resource 201e is a hardware resource 201 other than 201a to 201d, and indicates an input / output device such as an operation panel, for example.

  The software 100 installed in the hardware 200 is hierarchized, and a service layer 102 is constructed above the operating system 103, and an application layer 103 is constructed above the service layer 102. The service layer 102 corresponds to a driver that controls each hardware resource (201a to 201e). The scanner control unit 102a, plotter control unit 102b, storage control unit 102c, distribution / mail transmission / reception control unit 102d, FAX transmission / reception It has a control unit 102e, a network communication control unit 102f, and another control unit 102g.

  Here, how the software 100 shown in FIG. 3 has reached such a hierarchical structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the software configuration installed in the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the pre-service layer separation application 501 in FIG. 18, the software installed in the multifunctional multifunction device 1 is created as an independent application for each function such as a copy application, a FAX application, and a scanner application. It was operating on the operating system 103 shown.

  However, since these applications include a driver (service layer 102) that controls hardware resources, duplicate processing exists in each application. As a result, the scale of each application has become large.

  Therefore, as shown in an application 502 after service layer separation in FIG. 18, a portion corresponding to the service layer 102 of the application 501 before service layer separation is bundled into the service layer 102, and each application is an upper layer of the service layer 102. The application layer 101 is constructed. By adopting such a hierarchical structure, each application has been streamlined and development effort has been reduced.

  However, as the networking and multi-functionalization of the multifunction machine 1 further advance, it has become a problem that a common processing part exists in each application. Specifically, each application in the application layer 101, such as a copy application and a scanner application, is similar in processing for communicating with drivers such as the scanner control unit 102a and the accumulation control unit 102c, and setting management of various functions. It had a processing inside. As described above, when each application has the same processing, the development scale of each application is increased, and the improvement scale of each application with respect to the specification change of the service layer is increased.

  In order to solve this problem, as shown in the common routine separation application 503 in FIG. 18, it has been considered that such a similar process (common processing part) is bundled as a common routine. However, since such a common routine is intended to share slightly different processing in each application, the processing inside the common routine becomes complicated. For example, when adding a new application such as a printer application, it is necessary to modify the common routine in order to adapt to the new application.

  However, since the internal processing of the common routine is complicated, it became difficult for repair personnel to grasp the processing, and there were concerns about the increase in the scale of repair and the impact on other applications due to repair mistakes.

  Therefore, as shown in an object-oriented application 504 in FIG. 18, such a plurality of applications are integrated into the integrated application 110 by an object-oriented design method (object modeling). Specifically, a common processing part of each application is extracted as an object model, and the integrated application 110 is configured from the collection of object models. The functions such as the conventional copy function and scanner function are realized by the cooperative relationship of the object model.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, addition of a new function such as a printer function can be dealt with by subclassing a class belonging to the object model. For this reason, a repair part becomes clear and the influence on other functions by repair can be made small. In addition, the object modeling program is easier to grasp the process than the conventional procedural program, so it is easier for the repair staff to grasp the process, reducing the scale of the repair, and other applications due to mistakes in the repair. The influence on can be reduced.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional application at the stage of the service layer separated application 502 shown in FIG. 18 and the relationship between the application and each driver of the service layer 102. As shown in the figure, the application layer 101 includes a copy application 120, a scanner application 130, a fax application 140, and a printer application 150.

  For example, the copy application 120 transmits / receives data to / from the scanner control unit 102a, the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, and the other control unit 102g in order to realize the copy function. In addition, the fax application 140 performs data transmission / reception with the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, the FAX transmission / reception control unit 102e, the network communication control unit 102f, and the other control unit 102g in order to realize the fax function. As described above, communication between each application in the application layer 101 and each driver in the service layer 102 is complicated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, a plurality of applications existing in the application layer 101 are integrated into the integrated application 110 by the object modeling described above. The communication processing with each driver, which has been performed by each application overlappingly, is configured to be performed by a predetermined object model that configures the integrated application 110, so that the application of the application layer 101 and the service layer 102 of Communication between the drivers is simpler than that in FIG.

  Next, the internal configuration of the integrated application 110 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positioning of the setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment to be described later, in the integrated application 110 and the general configuration of the integrated application 110.

  As shown in the figure, the integrated application 110 has an operation system subsystem 111, a management system subsystem 112, and an execution system subsystem 113. The operation system subsystem 111 is a software group in charge of man-machine interface. Specifically, the operation subsystem 111 performs a service for accepting a user's request and considers the quality, cost, and delivery date of a product (for example, a copied recording sheet) corresponding to the request. Provide information service to users.

  The operation system subsystem 111 includes an operation reception unit 111a and a setting management unit 111b which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment described later. The operation reception unit 111a is a software group that receives a request by a user operation and distributes a process according to the content of the service.

  Also, the setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, receives a request for setting a document operation (for example, copy) from the operation receiving unit 111a, and manages a set of software so that there is no contradiction in the combination of such settings It is.

  The management subsystem 112 is a software group that manages the resources of the multifunction machine 1. Specifically, the management subsystem 112 performs a management service of the hardware resource 201 and the data state held by the hardware resource 201.

  The execution subsystem 113 is a software group in charge of executing a user request. More specifically, the execution subsystem 113 provides an execution service from a document operation request such as copying to output of a product. The operation system subsystem 111, the management system subsystem 112, and the execution system subsystem 113 are required for the MFP 1 as a whole of the integrated application 110 by requesting processing and receiving the results as necessary. Provide service.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram in which each subsystem shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with a UML (Unified Modeling Language) class diagram (UML class diagram). Here, UML is a system modeling language for which specifications are formulated by OMG (Object Management Group), and defines a notation for describing the results of modeling. This UML is widely used in the design of object-oriented software.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the integrated application 110 has a plurality of packages, and the integrated application 110 itself is one package. Here, the package is a group of components (symbols) of the UML model, and is expressed by a symbol in the form of a folder with a tab on the upper left. A straight line connecting the packages indicates that there is a relationship such as a processing request between the packages.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the integrated application 110 is a package having three packages of an operation subsystem 111, a management subsystem 112, and an execution subsystem 113 inside. Further, the operation system subsystem 111 is a package having two packages of an operation reception unit 111a and a setting management unit 111b. A straight line connecting the operation subsystem 111, the management subsystem 112, and the execution subsystem 113 indicates that there is a relationship such as a processing request (for example, message transmission / reception) between the packages. A symbol written at the right end of the tabs of the operation subsystem 111, the management subsystem 112, and the execution subsystem 113 is a UML symbol indicating that the package is a subsystem.

  Next, the setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, will be described in detail. Note that when designing based on object orientation, the setting management unit 111b configures an object model so that existing processing is not simply converted into an object and functions can be added or modified more easily. The configuration of the object model will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 400 of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the operation panel 400 includes an initial setting key 401, a copy key 402, a copy server key 403, a printer key 404, a transmission key 405, a ten key 406, a clear / stop key 407, a start key 408, a preheating key. 409, a reset key 410, and a liquid crystal touch panel 420.

  When the initial setting key 401 is touched, a menu for initial setting is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 420, and in this menu, a paper size to be stored can be set. Further, when the user wants to make a copy, the copy key 402 is stored. When the copy result is stored in the multifunction device 1, the copy server key 403 is displayed. When the operation related to the printer is performed, the printer key 404 is displayed. When the user wants to transmit an image or the like, touch the transmission key 405 to display a menu corresponding to the liquid crystal touch panel 420.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a menu displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 420. This menu is displayed by touching the copy key 402 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, on the liquid crystal touch panel 420, a paper original 421a tab and an electronic original 421b tab are displayed as input modes 421. When the paper original 421a tab is selected, the input mode area 422 contains A density setting unit 422a and a special document setting unit 422b are displayed. As the output mode 423, a print 423a tab, a save 423b tab, and a transmission 423c tab are displayed. When the print 423a tab is selected, a tray selection unit 424a and a magnification setting unit 424b are displayed in the output mode area 424. Is done.

  For example, the tray selection unit 424a can select any one of “tray 1” to “tray 4”, and the magnification setting unit 424b can select either “equal magnification” or “paper designated scaling”. You can choose. Here, the tray selection unit 424a having an alternative type option is referred to as a “setting item”, and each of the alternative type options “tray 1” to “tray 4” is referred to as a “set value”. .

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the set value combination table 430. Conventionally, it has been common to use a set value combination table 430 as shown in FIG. 8 in order to manage the combination relationship of such “set values”. In the set value combination table 430, all “set values” are listed to form a two-dimensional table, and combinations of set values that cannot be simultaneously selected are managed. For example, if the setting value A and the setting value B are combinations that cannot be selected at the same time, and the setting value selected later is given priority, the combination relationship is managed by the cell indicated by “●”. . Further, if the set value A and the set value D are combinations that cannot be selected at the same time, and the previously selected set value is given priority, the combination relationship is managed by a cell indicated by “x”. To do. Note that cells without “●” or “x” symbols represent combinations of setting values that can be simultaneously selected.

  However, when the multifunction device 1 has a large number of setting values due to the multifunctional function of the multifunction device 1, the size of the setting value combination table 430 has increased accordingly. For this reason, when the design change or function addition of the multifunction machine 1 is performed, such table correction errors are likely to occur, and the risk that the combination control of each function is not performed correctly has increased.

  Therefore, this setting value combination table 430 is divided into “setting objects”, and each “setting object”, “setting item” belonging to “setting object”, and “setting item” are selectively selected. It was decided to represent the hierarchical relationship (hierarchical model) with possible “setting values”. Here, “target to be set” refers to “input by paper original”, “input by electronic original”, “output as printed matter”, “output as printed matter”, and the like (for example, each tab 421a) of the menu shown in FIG. It represents a group of “setting items” classified by function, such as “output as stored (accumulated) document”.

  The “setting target” is composed of a plurality of setting items and plays a unique role. “Setting target” includes, for example, “paper document”, “received document”, “transmitted document”, “printed material”, etc. in the image forming apparatus. That is, the “setting target” manages a configuration formed by a plurality of settable “setting items” and “setting values” to which the setting item belongs, and assembles these to play a role specific to the “setting target”.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting value combination table for each application. As shown in the figure, the copy setting value combination table and the scanner setting value combination table hold combinations of setting values of all setting items of each application. In these setting value combination tables, there are many item values of setting items that differ between applications, but item values of the same setting items are also included. Therefore, as described above, when the setting value combination table is divided for each “setting target”, the same “setting target” is held by different applications. That is, it is possible to share the “setting target” for each application.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the replacement from the combination table to the hierarchical model. The paper document table 440 shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by dividing a portion of the setting value combination table 430 where “setting target” is “input by paper document”. The replacement of the paper document table 440 with “setting item-setting value model” is performed according to the following procedure.

  That is, the document surface 440a shown in FIG. 4 has “single-sided” and “double-sided” options, and these options cannot be selected simultaneously. Therefore, the document surface 440a portion is replaced with the document surface hierarchical model 441 shown in FIG. This document surface hierarchical model 441 has a hierarchical structure (tree structure) having “one side” and “both sides” corresponding to “setting values” that can be alternatively selected under “document surface” corresponding to “setting items”. ).

  Similarly, the document size 440 b of the paper document table 440 is replaced with a document size hierarchy model 442. By performing such replacement work for other “setting targets”, the entire setting value combination table 430 is replaced with “setting item-setting value model”.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the application of the combination rule. The printed material table 450 shown in FIG. 11 is obtained by dividing a portion whose “setting object” is “output as printed material” from the setting value combination table 430. Note that the point that the image copy 450a is replaced with the image copy hierarchical model 451 and the transfer size 450b is replaced with the transfer size hierarchical model 452 is the same as described above with reference to FIG.

  However, between the image copy 450a and the transfer size 450b shown in the figure, there is a “combination restriction 450c” that extends between functions (setting items). That is, when “repeat” of image copy is selected first, “standard” of transfer size cannot be selected later. In order to express such a combination restriction between a plurality of functions, a “combination rule 460” that collectively manages combination restrictions between “setting values” belonging to different functions (setting items) is used. Since the combination rule 460 is used only when there is a selection restriction between setting values across the setting items, it is possible to efficiently maintain the consistency of the setting value selection relationship.

  By such object modeling, the conventional setting value combination table 430 is divided using “setting item-setting value model”, and the search of the two-dimensional table is replaced with the tree structure search. Limit search processing can be performed efficiently. In addition, by replacing the table management in which the set values are listed with the set value hierarchy management, the relationship between the set values becomes clear and efficient maintenance can be performed. Furthermore, since the combination rule 460 is used only when there is a selection restriction between selection values belonging to different setting items, the combination rule can be applied without reducing the efficiency of the search process for selection restriction.

  Further, the present embodiment does not limit the setting values that can be set to options such as “repeat” and “double”, and any information such as numerical values and character strings can be used as “setting values”. .

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the combination rule of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the combination rule is held in a configuration in which the setting item A, the setting value A, the application method, the setting item B, and the setting value B are associated with each other. Then, the setting for the setting value A and the setting value B is performed according to the application method. For example, when the set value “repeat” for image copy is selected, the application method states that the left side is given priority, so that the “standard” transfer size cannot be selected. Also, if the image copy setting value “Repeat” is selected after the transfer size “standard” is selected, the left side is also given priority, so the transfer size “standard” setting is canceled. Therefore, the “standard” transfer size cannot be selected. In this way, it is possible not only to prevent setting values of conflicting setting items from being selected by two or more setting items, but also to improve the convenience for the user to select by setting the application method. To do.

  In addition to “Left priority”, the legal method can be set according to the convenience of the user, such as “Prior to each other” and “Right priority” shown in this figure. .

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of processing performed by the setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. Assume a binder placed on a “shelf”. The binder shown in this figure assumes a “mode set”. These binders are bundled with all “setting objects” necessary for each “mode set”. When there is a common “setting target” between different binders, pages indicating the same “setting target” are sandwiched.

  A mode set is used as a unit of a set. For each mode set, all “setting objects” necessary for each application such as “copy”, “fax”, “scanner”, and “printer” are stored. That is, the mode set includes a combination of one or more setting targets. For example, the mode set indicating the copy function includes a combination of a setting object “paper document” as an input object and a setting object “printed material” as an output object. The mode set may be a combination other than a combination of objects for realizing a conventional function. For example, the mode set may be a combination of a setting object “received document” as an input object and a setting object “transmitted document” as an output object. With such a mode set, it becomes possible to send a received document received by mail or fax by mail or fax.

  Also, a “shelf” for managing the mode set is prepared, and this is referred to as “mode shelf”. The “mode shelf” manages one or more “mode sets”, and secures and releases (returns to the original) “mode sets” in response to user requests.

  FIG. 14 is a UML class diagram showing a class configuration of the setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. Here, a class description method in the class and UML class diagram will be described. A class is a concept corresponding to a design drawing of an object constituting an object-oriented system, and defines attributes and processes in an object and a relationship with other objects.

  The class in the UML class diagram is described as a rectangle having three sections. From the top, each section is called a name section indicating a class name, an attribute section indicating data (attribute) included in the class, and an operation section indicating processing (operation) included in the class. For example, a rectangular name section indicating the setting target class 310 indicates that the class name of the class is “setting target”, and an attribute section indicates that the attribute of the class is “target name”. The operation section indicates that the operation of the class is “select ()”.

  Thus, each class has an attribute section for possessing data (attribute) and an operation section for possessing processing (operation) for writing and reading such an attribute. Since these classes are included as a part of the program (integrated application 110), when this program stored in the ROM 12a in advance is executed, each class is materialized in a predetermined area of the RAM 12b and included in the attribute section. Each data (attribute) is expanded on the RAM 12b. Therefore, the object in which the class is materialized can write and read each data (attribute) on the RAM 12b.

  In addition, if a "-" symbol is attached to the left side of a class element such as attribute or operation, this indicates that the element is private to external classes, and if a "+" symbol is attached, this element Indicates that it is open to external classes. Also, for operations, it is customary to add a “()” symbol such as “Select ()”, and when describing an argument to be passed to the operation, such as “(Argument 1, Argument 2)” There is also.

  Next, a class configuration of the setting management unit 111b, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the setting management unit 111b includes a mode shelf class 350, a mode set class 360, a setting target class 310, a setting item class 320, a setting value class 330, and a combination rule class 340. . The setting target class 310, the setting item class 320, the setting value class 330, and the combination rule class 340 correspond to the setting reception unit, the setting item unit, the setting value unit, and the combination rule unit in the claims.

  The mode shelf class 350 is a class corresponding to the “mode shelf” described above, receives a request for setting a document operation from the operation reception unit 111a, and secures or releases a “mode set” corresponding to the request. Specifically, the mode shelf class 350 has a state 350a and a specification retention number 350b as attributes, and has a secure () 350c and a release () 350d as operations. Note that when an object that materializes the setting target class 310 is generated, the state 350a and the specification retention number 350b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that this data (attribute) can be written and read. .

  The state 350a holds the current state of the mode shelf. From this state 350a, it can be determined whether or not the setting can be received from the user.

  The specification holding number 350b holds the number of mode sets that can be provided to the current user.

  Secure () 350 c secures a mode set according to the user's request. That is, when a function request is received from the operation receiving unit 111, the mode shelf class 350 determines a mode set suitable for the request, reserves an object of the mode set class 360 corresponding to this mode set, and secures the mode. Request settings for a set of objects. As a result, the user can select a “setting value” for each “setting item” of the “setting target” held by the secured mode set class 360.

  The release () 350d performs processing for canceling the setting request made to the object of the mode set class 360 specified in () 350c secured from the user.

  The mode set class 360 is a class corresponding to the “mode set” described above, and manages “setting targets” belonging to each “mode set”. Specifically, the mode set class 360 has a state 360a and a set type 360b as attributes, and has () 360c to be set as an operation. When an object that materializes the mode set class 360 is generated, the state 360a and the set type 360b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that this data (attribute) can be written and read.

  The state 360a indicates whether or not a setting request from the mode shelf class 350 can be accepted. For example, the state 360a has two states of accepting (valid) and not accepting (invalid).

  The set type 360b holds a type for identifying a set of combinations of setting targets. As an example of the set type 360, for example, the type of application such as copy, fax, and scanner can be considered.

  In the setting () 360 c, when the request from the user is received, the mode set class 360 specifies the setting target class 310 corresponding to the user request, and calls the setting target class 310 () 310. .

  The setting target class 310 is a class corresponding to the “setting target” described above, and manages “setting items” belonging to each “setting target”. Specifically, the setting target class 310 has an object name 310a as an attribute, and () 310b to be selected as an operation. When an object that materializes the setting target class 310 is generated, the object name 310a is expanded on the RAM 12b, so that this data (attribute) can be written and read.

  The object name 310a is a unique name for specifying the “setting object” in the multifunction device 1, and different values are set so that no object of the setting object class 310 having the same name exists in the multifunction device 1. Is done. The object name 310a is used to determine whether or not each “setting target” exists depending on whether or not each option device is selected in the multifunction machine 1.

  The selection () 310b accepts a request for a setting item from the mode set class 360, and determines from the object name 310a whether or not the accepted request corresponds to its own setting object class 310. When the received request is a setting request regarding itself, the setting target class 310 requests the setting item class 320 under its control to select the setting value class 330.

  The setting item class 320 is a class corresponding to the “setting item” described above, receives a setting request from the setting target class 310 and the combination rule class 340, and performs setting processing of “setting values” belonging to each “setting item”. . Specifically, this setting item class 320 has a setting item name 320a and a state 320b as attributes, and selects a setting value as an operation () 320c, deselects a setting value () 320d, and a setting value Are prohibited () 320e and set values are selectable () 320d. When an object that materializes the setting item class 320 is generated, the setting item name 320a and the state 320b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read. Become.

  The setting item name 320a is a unique name for specifying the “setting item”, and different values are set in the setting item name 320a of the “setting item” belonging to the same “setting object”. The setting item name 320 a is used to specify the corresponding setting item class 320 when the setting target class 310 makes a selection request for the setting value class 330. The state 320b indicates whether or not a setting request from the setting target class 310 or the combination rule class 340 can be accepted. For example, two states of accepting (valid) or not accepting (invalid) are possible. Have

  The setting value selection () 320 c receives a setting selection request from the setting target class 310, and changes the state of the corresponding setting value class 330 to the selection state to perform processing for maintaining consistency of the setting contents. Also, the setting value selection deselection () 320d receives a setting cancellation request from the setting target class 310, and changes the state of the corresponding setting value class 330 to a selectable state, thereby performing a process of maintaining consistency of the setting contents. . Note that the selection value cancellation () 320 d also accepts a setting cancellation request from the combination rule class 340. For example, “setting value A2” belonging to “setting item A” and “setting value B1” belonging to “setting item B” cannot be selected at the same time, and the setting value selected later is valid. In some cases, when the setting value B1 is selected after selecting the setting value A2, the setting item A receives a setting cancellation request for the setting value A1 from the combination rule class 340.

  The setting value selection prohibition () 320 e receives a setting prohibition request from the combination rule class 340 and changes the state of the corresponding setting value class 330 to the selection prohibition state, thereby performing a process of keeping the setting contents consistent. For example, “setting value A2” belonging to “setting item A” and “setting value B1” belonging to “setting item B” cannot be selected at the same time, and the previously selected setting value is valid. If the setting value A2 is selected, the setting item B receives a setting prohibition request for the setting value B1 from the combination rule class 340.

  The setting value can be selected () 320 f receives a setting request from the combination rule class 340, and changes the state of the corresponding setting value class 330 to a selectable state to perform processing for maintaining the consistency of the setting contents. For example, “setting value A2” belonging to “setting item A” and “setting value B1” belonging to “setting item B” cannot be selected at the same time, and the previously selected setting value is valid. The case where it is is demonstrated. In this case, if the setting item B is deselected after the setting item B receives the setting prohibition request for the setting value B1 by selecting the setting value A2, the setting item B can be set to the setting value B1 from the combination rule class 340. Accept the request.

  The setting value class 330 is a class corresponding to the “setting value” described above, receives a setting request from the setting item class 320, and performs setting processing of “setting values” belonging to each “setting item”. If there is another “setting value” that cannot be set at the same time, the combination rule class 340 is activated. Specifically, this setting value class 330 has a setting value name 330a and a selection state 330b as attributes, and selects () 330c, deselects () 330d, and disables selection () 330e as operations. And have selectable () 330f. When an object that materializes the setting value class 330 is generated, the setting value name 330a and the selection state 330b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read. It becomes.

  The setting value name 330a is a unique name for identifying the “setting value”, and different values are set in the setting value names 330a of “setting values” belonging to the same “setting item”. The setting value name 330 a is used to specify the corresponding setting value class 330 when the setting item class 320 makes a selection request for the setting value class 330.

  The selection state 330b indicates a state as to whether or not a setting request from the setting item class 320 can be accepted, and has any one state of “selectable”, “selection prohibited”, and “selected”. And the transition relation of each state is as follows. That is, in the “selectable” state, when the selection () 330 c is called, the state transits to the “selected” state. In the “selected” state, when the selection cancellation () 330 d is called, the state changes to the “selectable” state, and when the selection prohibited () 330 e is called, the state changes to the “selection prohibited” state.

  In addition, in the “selectable” state, when the selection prohibition () 330 e is called, the state shifts to the “selection prohibition” state. Transition. Thus, the selection state 330b transitions to any one state of “selectable”, “selection prohibited”, and “selected” in accordance with each operation (330c to 330d).

  The selection () 330 c is called from the setting item class 320, performs the process of transitioning the selection state 330 b to the “selected” state, and when there are other “setting values” that cannot be set at the same time. Then, processing for starting the combination rule class 340 is performed. In addition, () 330d to be deselected is called from the setting item class 320 to perform processing for transitioning the selection state 330b to the “selectable” state, and there are other “setting values” that cannot be set at the same time. In this case, processing for starting the combination rule class 340 is performed.

  The selection prohibition () 330 e is called from the setting item class 320 and performs a process of transitioning the selection state 330 b in the “selectable” state or the “selected” state to the “selection prohibited” state. The selectable () 330 f is called from the setting item class 320 and performs a process of transitioning the selection state 330 b to the “selectable” state.

  The combination rule class 340 holds a combination rule that is prohibited from being selected when there is a combination that cannot be selected at the same time between “setting values” across “setting items”, and a rule for the corresponding setting item class 320 Is the class to which Specifically, the combination rule class 340 has an application method 340a and a setting value 340b to be applied as attributes, and () 340c to be applied as an operation. When an object that materializes the combination rule class 340 is generated, the application method 340a and the setting value 340b to be applied are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read. It becomes possible.

  The application method 340a holds a state transition rule of an object that materializes the setting value class 330 held in the setting value 340b when there is a combination that cannot be simultaneously selected between the “setting values” across the “setting items”. To do. For example, it holds a rule with a content that changes the state of the object set to the setting value 340b from the “selected” state to the “selectable” state or from the “selected” state to the “selection prohibited” state. To do. Further, the setting value 340b to be applied holds the identification number of the object to which the combination rule is applied.

  The apply () 340 c performs a process of applying the state transition rule held in the application method 340 a to the object of the set value class 330 held in the applied set value 340 b. For example, when called from a setting value class 330 object that has transitioned to “being set”, if the application method 340a holds a rule for transitioning to the “selection prohibited” state, the object held in the setting value 340b to be applied Is directed to the object of the setting item class 320 to which the item belongs belongs to change the state of the object held in the setting value 340b to “selection prohibited”.

  Next, the relationship between the classes shown in FIG. 13 will be described. As shown in the figure, in the UML class diagram, when there is some relationship between classes, rectangles representing those classes are connected by a straight line. The characters near both ends of this line represent the class role, and the numbers represent the multiplicity of the class. Here, the role is the role of the class with respect to the other class connected by a straight line, and the multiplicity is the number of objects generated in association with the object of the other class connected by a straight line. That is.

  For example, the role of the setting item class 320 viewed from the setting target class 310 is “belonging member”, and the role of the setting target class 310 viewed from the setting item class 320 is “belongs to”. The multiplicity of the setting target class 310 is “1”, and the multiplicity of the setting item class 320 is “1..n”. Here, “1..n” indicates that the multiplicity of the setting item class 320 is in the range of 1 to n. For example, when “1..3” is described, the multiplicity of the class is in the range of 1 to 3.

  First, the class relationship between the mode shelf class 350 and the mode set class 360 will be described. The mode shelf class 350 manages the mode set class 360 and selects one mode set class 360 in response to a request from the user. Therefore, the mode shelf class 350 is a “storage location” in which the mode set class 360 is stored, and the mode set class 360 has a relationship of “setting contents held”.

  Further, only one object of the mode shelf class 350 is generated, and one object of the mode set class 360 that holds the “current setting content” that has been accepted by the user is specified. In addition, since the object of the mode set class 360 indicating the set of applications and the like belongs to one object of the mode shelf class 350, the object of the mode set class 360 is 0 for one object of the mode shelf class 350. It exists in the range of not less than n.

  Next, the class relationship between the mode set class 360 and the setting target class 310 will be described. The mode set class 360 manages the setting target class 310 and selects one setting target class 310 in response to a request from the user. Therefore, the mode set class 360 is the “entire setting” that manages the setting target class 310, and the setting target class 310 is “output target” or “input target”.

  The object of the setting target class 310 belongs to one mode set class 360 object. Further, since the mode set class 360 is a class for managing the setting target, it holds one or more objects of the setting target class 310. As a result, for one object of the mode set class 360, there are 1 to n objects in the setting target class 310.

  Next, the class relationship between the setting target class 310 and the setting item class 320 will be described. An object of the setting target class 310 is generated for each “setting target” of a user operation such as “input by paper document” or “input by electronic document”. Then, the same number of objects of the setting item class 320 corresponding to the “setting items” belonging to each “setting object” is generated as the “setting items”. Each object of the setting item class 320 belongs to any one object generated from the setting target class 310. As described above, the setting target class 310 and the setting item class 320 have a relationship of “affiliation” and “affiliation”.

  Next, the relationship between the setting item class 320 and the setting value class 330 will be described. The object of the setting item class 320 has a role of a setting group in which a plurality of “setting values” are collected. Therefore, the object of the setting item class 320 and the object of the setting value class 330 have a relationship of “affiliation source” and “holding setting value”. Since the object of the setting value class 330 belongs to one of the objects of the setting item class 320, there is one “belonging source”, and the number of “holding setting values” is 1 or more and n or less. . In addition, the white rhombus written on the setting item class 320 side indicates a relationship (aggregation relationship) in which a certain class is included as a part of another class.

  In such a setting group, only one “setting value” can be selected. Therefore, the object of the setting item class 320 and the setting value class 330 object have a relationship of “belonging member” and “selected setting value”. It should be noted that the selected setting value class 330 object has a one-to-one relationship with the setting item class 320 object, and the unselected setting value class 330 object does not require a relationship with “belonging to”. Therefore, it has a one-to-one relationship with the object of the setting item class 320.

  Next, the relationship between the set value class 330 and the combination rule class 340 will be described. As described above, when a plurality of “setting values” belong to the same “setting item”, only one “setting value” can be selected. However, there may be a relationship in which “setting values” belonging to different “setting items” cannot be selected at the same time. In such a case, the object of the set value class 330 uses the object of the combination rule class 340 to change the “set value” state where simultaneous selection cannot be performed to the “selection prohibited” state or the “selectable” state. Therefore, the object of the setting value class 330 and the object of the combination rule class 340 have a relationship of “relation source” and “rule to be applied”.

  Note that there may not be “setting values” that cannot be simultaneously selected, and there may be multiple “setting values” that cannot be simultaneously selected. It becomes. Further, each object of the combination rule class 340 has a one-to-one correspondence with the object of the setting value class that is the “relationship source”, so the multiplicity of the “relationship source” is 1.

  Next, the relationship between the setting item class 320 and the combination rule class 340 will be described. Each object of the combination rule class 340 represents a rule for prohibiting simultaneous selection between “setting values” across “setting items”. These rules are “setting items” to which the target “setting values” belong. Applies to Accordingly, the object of the setting item class 320 and the object of the combination rule class 340 have a relationship of “rule application destination” and “applied rule”. Since each rule is applied to each “setting item”, the multiplicity of “rule application destination” and “applied rule” is 1.

  As described above, the mode shelf class 350, the mode set class 360, the setting target class 310, the setting item class 320, the setting value class 330, and the combination rule class 340 are related to each other and coordinated to manage the setting. Functions necessary for the unit 111b are realized.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a tree structure of objects that are materialized based on the above-described classes. As shown in this figure, when a user setting request is received from an object of the mode shelf class 350, the object of the mode shelf class 350 identifies the object “mode set 1” of the mode set class 360 suitable for the request. Pass the request. Then, the selection state 330 b of the setting value class object is changed via the object “setting target A” of the setting target class 310 and the object of the setting item class 320. Although omitted in the figure for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the setting target holds one or more setting items.

  Since the tree structure as shown in FIG. 15 is formed, for example, when there is “setting object A” common to “mode set 1” and “mode set 2”, it corresponds to “setting object A”. An object of the setting target class 310 can be generated and held in the object of the mode set class 360 corresponding to “mode set 1” and “mode set 2”.

  Thereby, since the generated object can be diverted, the development is facilitated, and the error is reduced because the scale is reduced.

  Next, an example of the execution procedure of each class operation shown in FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 16 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when a setting value selection request is received from the operation reception unit 111a.

  Here, the UML sequence diagram will be described. Each rectangle arranged in the upper part of FIG. 16 indicates a class object. A line extending downward from each object is a line (lifeline) indicating that each object is alive, and time is considered to flow from the top to the bottom. An elongated rectangle present on this line indicates a period during which the object is actually active (active period).

  Horizontal arrows connecting the lifelines indicate execution of operations included in the object. Specifically, this arrow indicates that the original object of the arrow calls an operation included in the object at the end of the arrow. Further, when the arrow points to its own object, it means that the object calls the operation included in itself.

  Here, the preconditions of FIG. 16 will be described. When “output as printed matter” is selected as the “setting target” by the user's operation, the “setting target” includes “staple” and “punch” as “setting items”, and “staple”. In addition, “punch” includes “on staple” and “punch left” as “setting values”, respectively. If “top staple” and “punch left” are selected at the same time, the printed material cannot be opened. Therefore, “top staple” and “punch left” are combinations of “setting values” that cannot be selected at the same time.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when receiving a document operation request from the user, the operation reception unit 111a calls () 350c to secure the mode shelf object 351 (step S1601). Upon receiving the call, the mode shelf object 351 specifies the mode set object 361 suitable for the document operation request, and calls () 360c set in the specified mode set object 361 (step S1602).

  Then, the called mode set object 361 identifies an object of the setting target class 310 suitable for the document operation request, and calls () 310b for selecting the printed object 311 of the specified setting target class 310 (step S1603).

  Then, the printed object 311 that has received the call calls () 320 c for selecting the setting value of the staple object 321 of the setting item class 320 (step S 1604).

  The staple object 321 that has received the call calls () 330 c to select the on-staple object 331 of the setting value class 330 (step S 1605). Then, the on-staple object 331 calls () to be applied to the object 341 of the combination rule class 340 (step S1606).

  Upon receiving the call, the object 341 calls the setting value of the punch object 322 of the setting item class 320 to be prohibited (step 3201) (step S1607). Then, the punch object 322 calls () 330e to prohibit selection of the punch left object 332 of the setting value class 330 (step S1608). Thus, when “on staple” is selected, the combination rule can be applied to prohibit “punch left” from being selected.

  The execution procedure of each class operation shown in FIG. 14 will be described with another example. FIG. 17 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when a setting value selection cancellation request is received from the operation reception unit 111a. The preconditions in FIG. 17 are the same as the preconditions in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when receiving a selection cancellation request from the user, the operation reception unit 111a calls the release () 350d of the mode shelf object 351 (step S1701). Then, the mode shelf object 351 that has received the call calls () 360c set by the mode set object 361 specified at the time of selection (step S1702).

  Then, the called mode set object 361 calls () 310 b for selecting the printed object 311 of the setting target class 310 specified at the time of selection (step S 1703). Then, the printed object 311 that has received the call calls the selection value () 320d for deselecting the setting value of the staple object 321 of the setting item class 320 (step S1704).

  Upon receipt of the call, the staple object 321 calls deselection () 330d of the on-staple object 331 of the setting value class 330 (step S1705). Then, the on-staple object 331 calls () 340c applied by the object 341 of the combination rule class 340 (step S1706).

  Upon receiving the call, the object 341 calls () 320 f that enables the setting value of the punch object 322 of the setting item class 320 to be selected (step S 1707). Then, the punch object 322 calls () 330f to enable selection of the punch left object 332 of the setting value class 330 (step S1708). As described above, when the selection of “on staple” is canceled, the combination rule can be applied to select “punch left”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a setting management mechanism is constructed by object-oriented design, and the setting value selection restriction that has been conventionally performed using the setting value combination table is set as a setting target class, Realized by the hierarchical relationship between the setting item class and setting value class, and the combination restriction between setting values belonging to different setting items is realized by using a combination rule class, and the same setting object is shared by each application Is realized by using a mode shelf for managing the mode set to which the setting object belongs, so that the setting management function can be efficiently realized. In the present embodiment, the setting item class and the setting value class are separate classes. However, a configuration having a setting management class that also serves as the setting item class and the setting value class may be employed.

  The setting management program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disc (FD), a CD- You may comprise so that it may record and provide on computer-readable recording media, such as R (CD Recordable) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). In this case, the CPU 11 reads the setting management program from the storage medium and loads it on the MEM-P 12 to cause the image forming apparatus to realize the above-described steps, units, or units.

  Further, the setting management program may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, such a setting management program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  In the multi function device 1 according to the present embodiment, the installation value is held as a combination rule for only necessary combinations. As a result, in the search process for determining whether there are items that cannot be set at the same time, the burden can be reduced compared to the search process for all the combination tables when the conventional combination table is managed and controlled. Thereby, the control time for eliminating the contradiction of the combination can be shortened.

  In addition, in the combination table, errors are likely to be included when adding functions as the size of the table increases. However, in the combination rule of the present embodiment, only the combination needs to be held, so that management becomes easy.

  Further, since the mode shelf class 350 is managed by the mode set class 360 based on the combination of the setting target classes 310, it is possible to share the development in different applications, and the design implementation time is shortened and the management is easy. Become.

  As described above, the setting management device, the setting management method, and the setting management program according to the present invention are useful for setting management of various setting items, and are particularly suitable for setting management of setting values with selection restrictions.

1 is a network diagram showing a network environment surrounding a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining hardware of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a hierarchical structure of hardware and software in a multifunction peripheral. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of an integrated application. It is a UML class diagram showing the configuration of an integrated application. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation panel of the multifunction machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a menu displayed on a liquid crystal touch panel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a setting value combination table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the setting value combination table for every application. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating replacement to the hierarchy model from a combination table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating application of a combination rule. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example of the structure of the combination rule. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the concept of the process performed in a setting management part. It is a UML class diagram which shows the class structure of a setting management part. It is explanatory drawing explaining the tree structure of the object materialized based on the class of a setting management part. It is a UML sequence diagram which shows the execution procedure of operation when there exists a selection request | requirement of a setting value. It is a UML sequence diagram which shows the execution procedure of operation when there exists a selection cancellation | release of a setting value. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a transition of a software configuration installed in a multifunction peripheral. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the hierarchical structure of the hardware and software in the conventional multifunction machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (multifunction machine)
10 Controller 11 CPU
12 MEM-P
12a ROM
12b RAM
13 NB
14 SB
15 AGP
16 ASIC
17 MEM-C
18 HDD
20 Keyboard (Operation panel)
30 FCU
40 USB
50 IEEE1394
60 Engine
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Software 101 Application layer 102 Service layer 102a Scanner control part 102b Plotter control part 102c Accumulation control part 102d Delivery / mail transmission / reception control part 102e FAX transmission / reception control part 102f Network communication control part 102g Other control part 103 Operating system 110 Integrated application 111 Operation System Subsystem 111a Operation Accepting Unit 111b Setting Management Unit 112 Management System Subsystem 113 Execution Subsystem 120 Copy Application 130 Scanner Application 140 Fax Application 150 Printer Application 200 Hardware 201 Hardware Resource 201a Scanner 201b Plotter 201c HDD
201d network 201e other resource 310 setting target class (an example of setting target means)
310a Object name 310b Select ()
311 Print object (an example of setting target means)
320 Setting item class (an example of setting target means)
320a Setting item name 320b Status 320c Select setting value ()
320d Deselect setting value ()
320e Setting value selection prohibited ()
320f Set value can be selected ()
321 Staple object (an example of setting item means)
322 Punch object (an example of setting item means)
323 Copy number object (an example of setting item means)
330 Setting value class (an example of setting value means)
330a Setting value name 330b Selection state 330c Select ()
330d Deselect ()
330e Disable selection ()
330f selectable ()
331 Object on staple 332 Punch left object 340 Combination rule class (an example of combination rule means)
340a Application method 340b Setting value to apply 340c Apply ()
341 Combination rule object (an example of combination rule means)
350 mode shelf class (an example of mode shelf means)
350a State 350b Specification retention 350c Secure ()
350d release ()
351 Mode shelf object (an example of mode shelf means)
360 Mode set class (an example of mode set means)
360a state 360b set type 360c set ()
361 Mode set object (an example of mode set means)
400 Operation Panel 401 Initial Setting Key 402 Copy Key 403 Copy Server Key 404 Printer Key 405 Transmission Key 406 Ten Key 407 Clear / Stop Key 408 Start Key 409 Preheating Key 410 Reset Key 420 Liquid Crystal Touch Panel 421 Input Mode 421a Paper Document 421b Electronic Document 422 Input Mode area 422a Density setting unit 422b Special document setting unit 423 Output mode 423a Print 423b Save 423c Transmission 424 Output mode area 424a Tray selection unit 424b Magnification setting unit 430 Setting value combination table 440 Paper document table 440a Document surface 440b Document size 441 Document surface Hierarchical model 442 Original size hierarchical model 450 Printed material table 450a Image copy 450b Transfer size 450c Combination restriction 451 Image copy hierarchy model 452 Transfer size hierarchy model 460 Combination rules 501 Application before service layer separation 502 Application after service layer separation 503 Common routine separation application 504 Object-oriented application

Claims (7)

Between setting values that include a combination rule that holds a combination of setting values that are prohibited from being simultaneously selected between setting values included in different setting items, and that controls to suppress simultaneous selection between the setting values according to the combination rule Selection deterrence means,
A setting target unit that holds an association with the setting value selection inhibiting unit, and collectively holds setting items to which a setting value to be controlled by the setting value selection inhibiting unit belongs;
Mode setting means for managing the setting object as a setting set indicating a set of setting objects held by the setting object means by holding an association with the setting object means;
Mode shelf management means for managing each setting set by maintaining an association with the mode setting means,
A setting management apparatus comprising: The set value selection suppression means includes:
For each setting item consisting of a plurality of setting values that are alternatively selected, a setting management means that holds and manages the relationship of simultaneous selection prohibition between setting values belonging to the setting item;
The combination rule further having a setting to be performed when a selection of a setting value for which simultaneous selection is prohibited is held, and a setting is performed when a selection of a setting value included in the combination rule is received according to the combination rule A combination rule means,
The setting managing means, when a setting value is selected, calling the combination rule means associated with the setting value;
The setting management apparatus according to claim 1. The setting management means includes a setting value means that is generated in association with the setting value belonging to the setting item and holds a selection state of the setting value, and the setting value means that is generated in association with the setting item. A setting item unit that holds an association and can hold any one of the setting value units that hold the association as being selected,
The combination rule means accepts a change in the selection state held by one of the setting value means between the setting value means associated with the setting values belonging to the different setting items and prohibited from simultaneous selection. The settings to be made in accordance with the combination rules,
The setting value means calls the combination rule means when changing the selection state of the setting value means;
The setting management apparatus according to claim 2. Between setting values that include a combination rule that holds a combination of setting values that are prohibited from being simultaneously selected between setting values included in different setting items, and that controls to suppress simultaneous selection between the setting values according to the combination rule A selection suppression step;
A setting target step for collectively holding the setting items to which the setting values to be controlled in the setting value selection suppression step belong;
A mode set step for managing setting objects as a setting set indicating a set of setting objects held by the setting object step;
A mode shelf management step for managing a plurality of setting sets managed in the mode set step;
A setting management method characterized by comprising: The set value selection suppression step includes:
A setting management step for holding and managing a relationship of prohibiting simultaneous selection between setting values belonging to the setting item for each setting item consisting of a plurality of setting values that are alternatively selected;
The combination rule further having a setting to be performed when a selection of a setting value for which simultaneous selection is prohibited is held, and a setting is performed when a selection of a setting value included in the combination rule is received according to the combination rule A combination rule step,
The setting management step, when a setting value is selected, calling the combination rule step associated with the setting value;
The setting management method according to claim 4. The setting management step includes a setting value step that is generated in association with a setting value belonging to the setting item and holds a selection state of the setting value, and a setting value step that is generated in association with the setting item. A setting item step that holds a relationship and can hold any one of the setting value steps that hold the relationship as being selected, and
The combination rule step accepts a change in the selection state held by one of the setting value steps between the setting value steps associated with setting values belonging to different setting items and prohibited from simultaneous selection. The settings to be made in accordance with the combination rules,
The setting value step is to call the combination rule step when changing the selection state of the setting value step;
The setting management method according to claim 5.   A setting management program for causing a computer to execute the setting management method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

Images